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736 Introduction to Process Safety Management (PSM)
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What Industries Does PSM Target?

The process safety management standard targets highly hazardous chemicals that have the potential to cause a catastrophic incident.

Image of supervisor checking procedures.
The process safety management standard targets highly hazardous chemicals that have the potential to cause a catastrophic incident.

OSHA's standard applies mainly to manufacturing industries - particularly those pertaining to chemicals, transportation equipment, and fabricated metal products. Other affected sectors include those involved with:

  • natural gas liquids
  • farm product warehousing
  • food processing
  • electric, gas, and sanitary services
  • wholesale trade
  • pyrotechnics and explosives manufacturers

It has special provisions for contractors working in covered facilities.

What Does the Employer Need to Develop?

To control these types of hazards, employers need to develop the necessary expertise, experience, judgment, and initiative within their work force to properly implement and maintain an effective process safety management program as envisioned in the OSHA PSM standard.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-2. The process safety management standard targets highly hazardous chemicals that have the potential to cause a _____ incident.